MARCELLUS — Marcellus Ecumenical Food Pantry, located in the First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus, has been strongly supported by the churches and people of Marcellus for many years.
During the pandemic coordinators Maureen Germain and assistant Sue March found that even more people stepped up to help, some sending checks and others creating food drives -resulting in generous donations to fill the shelves.
Many Marcellus students donated including the government class in the high school and the students of the other schools, individuals left food in the collection barrel at the church, a young student decorated a barrel and placed it at Nojaim’s where people left donations, families, scouts, and other groups collected and delivered food, and many donations “magically” appeared.
The food pantry extends its thanks to the community for all of the support.
Before the holidays some families made significant donations, focusing on items for baking and holiday meals, and a group of young people in the 4H Blazers collected and delivered food.
The food pantry is for people in the Marcellus school district who fall within the financial guidelines as outlined by the Food Bank of CNY.
People who lost jobs during the pandemic are eligible to visit-even if the need is hopefully short term.
People who need food are welcome to come and shop.
During the worst of the pandemic, for the safety of the volunteers and the clients, the pantry supplied pre-packed bags of food.
The pantry has since been able to allow individuals in to shop for their own food.
The pantry provides a wide variety of foods, and shoppers may take enough food for the family to have three meals for three days every other week.
If a person needs additional food, they are welcome to it as the food pantry is there as a resource to share what the community has provided.
New hours for the food pantry will be effective April 1.
Those hours are Tuesdays 10:30 to noon and the last Tuesday (only) of the month, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The food pantry is located in the Presbyterian Church on the corner of Main and North streets and access is on the North Street side.
If a Marcellus school district resident has a food emergency, they can call the church at 315-673-2201 and arrangements will be made to meet with them immediately.
Submitted photos
The Marcellus community has continued to show its generosity with donations and support to the Marcellus Ecumenical Food Pantry even during the worst of the pandemic.
